Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

Can thalassemia be prevented?

Thalassemia is a condition that people are born with. If you are planning on having a baby, screening is possible to identify if you or your partner are carriers of thalassemia. This is particularly important if there is a family history of the condition. This can identify if there is any risk that you will have a child with thalassemia.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is thalassemia?

Thalassemia is the name given to a group of hereditary red blood cell disorders that involve hemoglobin production. People with thalassemia have red blood cells that are poorly formed with a shortened life span. This requires people with the condition to have regular …

What are the symptoms of thalassemia?

Signs and symptoms of thalassemia can include weakness, fatigue, jaundice (yellow coloring of skin), enlargement of organs, slow growth, failure to thrive, dark urine, abdominal swelling, and deformities of facial bones.

What causes thalassemia?

Thalassemia is a hereditary condition caused by gene mutations passed on from one or both of your parents.

Who gets thalassemia?

Thalassemia can affect both men and women. It is a hereditary condition that is passed down from one or both of your parents. Ethnicity can also be a risk factor: Alpha thalassemia is more common among people of Asian descent, while beta thalassemia is more common …

How is thalassemia diagnosed?

Thalassemia is diagnosed by blood tests. A full blood examination can be performed to check the levels of different components of blood. Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a test that measures the amounts of different forms of hemoglobin in blood. DNA analysis can …

Are there different types of thalassemia?

Depending on the number and type of mutated genes or deleted genes, varying types of thalassemia are caused. Either alpha globin or beta globin - the components required to make hemoglobin - can be affected. There are multiple forms of each …

How is thalassemia treated?

The treatment of thalassemia depends on the type and severity of the condition. No treatment is required for carriers of alpha thalassemia or beta thalassemia minor. Hemoglobin H disease and beta thalassemia major are treated with regular blood transfusions. …

Can thalassemia be cured?

Dealing with thalassemia can often be difficult. If you are a carrier, no treatment is required, but there is a risk of having a child with thalassemia if your partner is also a carrier. If you have a more severe form of thalassemia, regular blood transfusions …

Is thalassemia contagious?

Thalassemia is not a contagious condition.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs. This leads to breathing difficulties, tiredness, lung infections and a shortened life expectancy. While treatment for CF continues to improve, healthy lifestyle choices can help maintain a good quality of life.…
Diseases & conditions

Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is a hereditary condition that causes your body to absorb too much iron from your diet. Over time it accumulates in tissues and certain organs, including your heart, liver and pancreas. If undetected and untreated, this excess iron can damage tissues and organs.…
Diseases & conditions

Iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common cause of anaemia, which is a deficiency in the quality or number of red blood cells. It may be caused by blood loss, decreased iron absorption, pregnancy or other causes. Your doctor will help work out the cause and appropriate treatment.…
Diseases & conditions

Down syndrome

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes physical, developmental and intellectual impairment. Not all characteristics are present in all people with Down syndrome and levels of impairment can vary greatly.…
Diseases & conditions

Leukemia

Leukaemia is the name for cancers that form in white blood cells. These cells are part of the immune system, so leukaemia can increase the risk of infection. There are many different types of leukaemia, so treatment is tailored to the specific type.…
Diseases & conditions

Wilson's disease

Wilson’s disease is a genetic disorder than results in the abnormal accumulation of copper in the body, which, if left untreated, can be fatal. Treatment is lifelong but effective, involving a low-copper diet as well as steps to reduce accumulated copper in the body.…

About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Votes: 610 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Cystic fibrosis

×

Content goes in here.